Last weekend, an hour into Flamengo’s Brasileirao game with Corinthians, Gabriel Barbosa stood on the halfway line, hands on hips.
He had put the ball in the net a couple of minutes prior, but, as the VAR checked for a possible offside, he waited, hoping for confirmation of a 69th Flamengo goal in his 100th game for the club.
When the referee finally put his finger to his ear, blew his whistle and pointed to the centre spot, the coaching staff, players and club directors present at the Maracana erupted in celebration. Gabigol had scored the most important goal of the season so far.
The 24-year-old turned and ran towards the bench, jumping straight into the embrace of coach Rogerio Ceni. The happiness was genuine, but there was a little theatre too, a show of unity between two men who the Brazilian sports press were reporting as at loggerheads.
Flamengo had taken a 2-1 lead at the Maracana, an advantage they would not relinquish. As a result, things are set up perfectly for this weekend.
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